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D2- Analyse the consequences of homeostatic processes failing in the body
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D2- Analyse the consequences of homeostatic processes failing in the body
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Unit 5D2- Analyse the consequences of homeostatic processes failing in the body
A failure of homeostasis, the balance of essential physiological states can result in disaster for an
organism. If the body temperature was to fall too low or too high this could result in an individual
experiencing hypothermia or heat stroke, both of which can be life-threating. In conclusion, a failure
in the maintenance of homeostasis can result in poorer health. I will now talk about what might
happen if body temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood glucose levels drop or rise too
high.
Drop or rise in body temperature
When your hypothalamus senses that your too hot, it sends signals to your sweat glands to make
you sweat and cool off. Alternately, when your hypothalamus senses that your too cold, it sends
signals to your muscles to make you shiver and create warmth. However, if both of these processes
fail to be completed it can result in life-threatening conditions.
When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs cannot function
properly. If left untreated, life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia can occur. Hypothermia
is a life-threatening condition that is often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold
water. Hypothermia can eventually lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system
and eventually to death.
On the other hand, when your body temperature rises a fever can occur. A fever is a temporary
increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is usually a sign that something
is out of the ordinary is occurring inside the body. A fever can cause discomfort, but they're usually
isn’t a concern for fever unless it reaches 39.4 degrees or higher. More serious conditions resulting
in increased body temperature could be, hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is caused by the failure of
heart regulating mechanisms. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises to levels above normal.
Hyperthermia is usually caused by exertion in a hot environment and varies on severity based on
how hot the body gets. If body temperature gets too high hyperthermia can cause a heatstroke
which can kill or damage the brain.
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